Now that Americans have expanded from supersized to something more akin to ultrasized, it’s nice to see more of our political leaders starting to acknowledge the weight of this problem.

While the increased attention is certainly welcomed, some of the solutions that have been proposed seem quite dubious, at best. Take New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s idea of outlawing large self-serve sodas.

Even if the government passed such a law, I’m sure enterprising NYC merchants (of which there is no shortage) would find ways around the ban, like offering free refills on smaller sized cups. Once lawmakers wise up to that ploy and pass a law against it, then consumers will simply order two or three cups at a time if they want more soda, or just walk across the street to another source of pop, of which there are infinite numbers across this country.

The main problem with Mayor Bloomberg’s approach is that it does little to change the underlying behaviors and attitudes of people. So long as there is demand for something, someone will supply it.

A true solution would be one that curtails or eliminates an individuals desire to have such a large soda. Why, for instance, would I (and probably most of you reading this) never dream of ordering a massive, sugary drink? If everyone were like us, no wise merchant would ever offer something with no demand and the problem would dissolve on its own.

Those are my thoughts on the matter, anyway. Next week, I’ll highlight some governmental programs that seem to be actually working.